THE European Union has launched legal proceedings against the British Government, alongside five other countries, for repeatedly breaking the bloc’s tight air pollution.

The European Commission has referred the UK to the European Court of Justice after being being suspicious of attempts come up to speed with policies, despite an extension – alongside France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Romania.

EU judges in Luxembourg will be able to hit Britain with huge fines under the bloc’ “infringement proceedings”.

The EU’s big polluters have received “sufficient last chances” but failed to clean up their acts, according to the bloc’s environmental commissioner Karmenu Vella.

He argued the legal proceedings were a result of failing to comply with EU laws over the last decade and for the good of all Europeans’s health.

Member States referred to the Court today have received sufficient 'last chances' over the last decade

Karmenu Vella

Mr Vella said: “The decision to refer Member States to the Court of Justice of the EU has been taken on behalf of Europeans.

“We have said that this Commission is one that protects. Our decision follows through on that claim. The Member States referred to the Court today have received sufficient 'last chances' over the last decade to improve the situation.

“It is my conviction that today's decision will lead to improvements for citizens on a much quicker timescale. But legal action alone will not solve the problem.

“That is why we are outlining the practical help that the Commission can provide to the national authorities' efforts to promote cleaner air for European cities and towns.”

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The UK’s environment department hit back insisting the country meets EU air quality limits.

A spokesman said: “We continue to meet EU air quality limits for all pollutants apart from NO2, and data shows we are improving thanks to our efforts to bring levels of NO2 down.

“We will shortly build on our £3.5bn plan to tackle roadside emissions with a comprehensive clean air strategy.”

The ECJ will hear the UK’s case in the coming months and if judges deem that the country is in breach of the EU rules, judges will offer a period of time to resolve the situation.

However, if the UK fails to provide a satisfactory solution the EU’s court can impose large daily fines.

This comes after Business Secretary Greg Clark and Housing and Communities Secretary James Brokenshire issued a joint statement promising “faster and fairer” planning decisions for the UK’s ailing fracking industry.

Mr Clark told Parliament planning applications to drill for fossil fuels “remain disappointingly slow” and promised to speed up the process for businesses.

It is unclear when the ECJ’s jurisdiction over the UK’s environmental concerns will end following Brexit.

The European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator said in order for a trade deal to be signed Britain would have to continue to comply with the EU’s environmental regulations.

The Frenchman said there could be no reduction in environmental standards after Brexit as Britain could otherwise seek a “competitive advantage” over its neighbours.

Mr Barnier added a “non-regression clause” must be included in the EU’s agreement on the future relationship with the UK to guard against a softening of rules.